As parents, we all take utmost care to make sure that our kids’ safety isn’t compromised at any point. However, the problem arises when the child has to come across strangers or when parents aren’t around the kids. Every parent around works on the simple rule of safety when it comes to strangers, ‘Don’t Talk to Strangers’.

Every time this rule can’t be the savior. It is very important that the child is taught the right way of dealing with strangers. Also, classifying every person a child doesn’t know as an outsider creates uncertainty for the child and can hinder his or her readiness to ask for aid when needed. Researches state that kids who are taught fundamental safety principles and the way to decide which strangers are harmless to speak with stand better than children who are taught to tremble from people they don’t know.

If you too are worried as to how the child can be taught about strangers, these points can help you tackle the situation in a better way.

Define who is a stranger: Children generally tend to associate the term stranger with villain, courtesy the hype parents create. It’s vital to teach them that a stranger does not necessarily happen to be a villain. Tell them in simple terms that a stranger is a person they don’t know and there’s no negativity involved with the same.

All strangers aren’t bad: It has become a stereotype of sorts. You must make the child understand that all strangers aren’t bad. Help your child recognize which stranger they can rely upon, such as a policeman, a waitress at any restaurant, or a store clerk.

Identify Unsafe Places: Teach them that any place that’s remote like the courtyard woods, parking lots, or the dark street aren’t safe and they must never explore them alone. If the need be, they must always accompany an elder person they know very well.

Adults Asking for Help: You must teach them that adults will never ask for any help from kids. And if they happen to encounter any such incident they must escape the scene without entertaining any such demands.

It’s Okay to Say No: Respecting elders doesn’t mean one has to abide by all their unfair wishes and demands. Teach your child that saying NO to elders isn’t a big issue if it is said for the right thing. If any stranger offers a ride or any eatable, they must respond back in a NO.

Encourage them to play in groups: There is great safety in numbers. People with wrong intentions are less likely to come up to children who are found playing in a group or with another child. It would be better if you encourage your child to play with other kids.

Create security at home: If your child has to stay alone at home, make sure you create special security locks or codes so that the child opens the door only when knocked by you. Also, teach them not to entertain anyone in your absence. 

If you can teach them these golden rules, keeping them safe from strangers will not be a difficult task.